The Rock Says Peter Maivia Was His Inspiration For Maui In Moana

The Rock paid tribute to his late grandfather Peter Maivia on Monday, naming him as his inspiration for Maui in Moana. Maivia passed away 44 years ago this month, and the actor & WWE star posted to Instagram to share a video honoring the late wrestling legend.

Rock wrote:

“The inspiration behind MAUI was my grandfather, HIGH CHIEF PETER MAIVIA.

43 years ago, this past weekend — my grandfather, High Chief Peter Maivia began his walk in the clouds, as God and the universe called him home right from here in Hawaii.

The High Chief’s charisma was off the charts, his hair, his tattoos, he was built like a tank, moved like a cheetah, tough as nails, and sang like an angel.

I miss him.

This is why the character of MAUI is so deeply personal to me – keeps my grandfather’s spirit close to my heart.

Love you grandpa.

ALOOOOHAAAAAAA”

The Rock has played Maui in both the animated Moana and Moana 2, and will reprise the role for the live-action film on July 10th.

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A post shared by Dwayne Johnson (@therock)